Article Title: McGregor is unlikely to succeed in reducing St. Augustine.
Author:
Published in: Connecticut Courant
Place of Publication: Hartford, CT
Publication Date: 8/12/1817
AUGUSTA, (GEO.) JULY 26
Florida.The latest advices from Florida do not appear to wear so flattering an aspect as former
accounts induced us to expect. Considerable doubts are now entertained that Sir Gregor will not be
able to accomplish the reduction of St. Augustine. Should he fail in this, the object of the expedition, if
prosecuting for the independence of the Provinces, cannot possibly be effected. St. Augustine is the
stronghold of the Floridas, and the only avenue to their quiet possession.
CHARLESTON, July 29.
From Amelia Island via St. MarysBy the pilot boat schr. Humming-Bird, arrived here yesterday in 4
days form St. Marys, we have the latest advices from the scene of patriotic warfare on our Southern
Border. The forces of Gen. M'Gregor, are stated to remain in quiet possession of the Island of
Amelia, and in expectation of being soon joined by reinforcements which will enable them to assault
the fortress of St. Augustine with a certainty of success. The general in chief had made liberal
advances of pay to his men, and thereby conciliated their strict attention to discipline.
Information had been obtained from St. Augustine, that Don Francisco Morales, late commandant of
Amelia, had been put in irons immediately on his arrival at the former placeand the general
expectation was, that he would lose his head, for surrendering that place, in express contradiction to
his orders, without firing a gun. It was also ascertained, by the same means, that the governor of St.
Augustine had received a reinforcement from Havana, and that every man, and even the boys of the
town, had taken up arms for the defence of the place.
A small Spanish schooner from St. Augustine, evading the patriots, arrived at St. Mary's a few days
before the Humming-bird sailed but a sharp lookout would be kept to prevent her returning in safety to
the port from whence she came.
Two small privateers were fitting out at Fernandina on the 24th inst. for a cruise against the Spanish
commerce.
A patriot privateer schr. was said to be cruising off the harbor of St. Augustine, at the time capt.
Lefevre sailed.
The sloop Gen. Washington, which sailed yesterday for Savannah, has on board a company of U.S.
troops, intended for the protection of the frontier of Georgia. They are to be joined at Savannah, by
another detachment and will proceed from thence to the vicinity of St. Mary's where they will be
stationed.